Episcopal Speak Defined

Rector–the clergyperson in charge of a congregation, who presides at all meetings of the vestry, or the congregation, and nominates wardens and with the vestry appoints people to leadership roles. Unusally, in Michigan, rectors only vote as presiders of the board in case of a tie. The rector is particularly responsible for the spiritual well-being of the congregation and its teaching ministry and worship.

Vestry–the governing board of an Episcopal congregation, responsible particularly for budget and legal aspects of congregational life, and policies, and sharing in spiritual leadership with the rector

Warden / Junior Warden–There is not a good secular synonym for this title. Wardens are to “cooperate with, assist and advise the member of the clergy in charge to develop and maintain a climate and environment of mutual ministry, trust and honesty within which the congregation will be provided with effective leadership for the furtherance of its mission.” The first warden elected is called “senior” and in the absence or inability of the clergy-in-charge, they take on certain of those duties. Some have compared one to the executive officer on a navy ship, or to the prime minister of an 18th century constitutional monarchy. They are NOT the president of the congregation.

Governance in the Episcopal Church–rector, wardens, and vestry all function in roles described in common bylaws of the Episcopal Church, called by the church term “canons.” Episcopalians are not free to ignore or dispense with these bylaws, and are the local agents of The Episcopal Church wherever they are. This has been true since 1789 when the first Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church were drawn up in the same city by many of the same people who crafted the U.S. Constitution. The bedrock property canon that the Genesis Agreement respects:

3.4 Property of Congregations. All property, real and personal, owned or held by or for the benefit of any congregation or its purposes, including that held by any person or entity that is affiliated with or formed by the congregation, is held in trust for the Church and the Diocese, subject to these Canons. Property of a congregation is the responsibility of its Governing Body.

Thus, Episcopalians view the Genesis Board as a strong and reversible delegation of duties that they continue to be obligated to respect, and in no way irrespective of our identity, or Jewish identity. The Genesis Agreement is a partnership of two congregations that neither ignores nor subordinates one identity to the other, and best operates by consensus and collaboration with the parent bodies.